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On one of the most popular thoroughfares in the core of Scotland's historic capital stands a giant structure of metal poles and platforms.

For the past 60 months, the establishment on the intersection of the famous Royal Mile and George IV Bridge has been a plastic-wrapped eyesore.

Visitors cannot book rooms, walkers are directed through confined passages, and establishments have left the building.

Restoration efforts started in 2020 and was only expected to last a brief duration, but now frustrated residents have been told the scaffolding could stay in place until 2027.

Extended Timelines

The main contractor, the primary firm, says it will be "towards the end" of 2026 before the first sections of the scaffold can be removed.

Edinburgh's council leader a city representative has labeled it a "eyesore" on the area, while preservation advocates say the work is "extremely disruptive".

What is transpiring with this apparently perpetual project?

A Troubled History

The sizeable hotel was built on the site of the previous Lothian Regional Council offices in 2009.

Estimates from when it initially debuted under the a fashion-branded banner, put the build cost at about thirty million pounds.

Work on the building started soon after the start of the global health crisis with the hotel itself shut for business since 2022.

A lane of traffic and a large section of sidewalk leading up to the junction of the historic street have been left out of action by the work.

Walkers going to and from the Lawnmarket and another locale have been forced single-file into a tight, enclosed passage.

A dining establishment a popular spot departed from the building and moved to another city in 2024.

In a statement, its management said building work had obliged them to alter the restaurant's appearance, adding that "customers deserved better".

It is also home to dining franchise Pizza Express – which has displayed large signs on the structure to notify customers it is still open.

Delayed Plans

An update to the a city committee in early this year suggested that the process of "revealing" the façade would begin in February, with a complete dismantling by the end of the year.

But the contractor has said that will not happen, citing "exceptionally intricate" structural challenges for the setback.

"We expect starting to dismantle portions of the scaffold towards the end of next year, with additional work ongoing after that," the company commented.

"We are collaborating closely with everyone involved to ensure we deliver an improved site for the local area."

Local and Conservation Frustration

Rowan Brown, director of preservation association the an advocacy group, said the work had contributed to the city's reputation of being "leisurely" for construction projects.

She said those working on the project had a "obligation to the public" to reduce disturbance and should integrate the work into the city's design.

She said: "It renders the pedestrian experience in that section really difficult.

"It is puzzling why there is not an effort to integrate it into the urban landscape or produce something more creative and innovative."

Continued Work

A company representative said work on "ideas to aesthetically improve the site" was ongoing.

They continued: "We recognize the irritations felt by local residents and enterprises.

"This constitutes a extended and complex process, highlighting the complexity and scale of the repair work required, however we are focused on completing this necessary work as soon as is practicable."

Ms Meagher said the city would "maintain pressure" on those involved to wrap up the project.

She said: "This structure has been a negative presence for years, and I echo the annoyance of residents and nearby shops over these ongoing postponements.

"That said, I also appreciate that the contractor has a obligation to make the building structurally sound and that this restoration has proved to be hugely complex."